Monrovia — Liberia's justice system continues to grapple with major challenges, including overloaded court dockets, limited access to the courts for many citizens, and prolonged pre-trial detention--conditions that have contributed significantly to prison overcrowding. These problems disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable populations.
In an effort to improve access to justice and address systemic inequalities, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Rule of Law Programme, drafted a Legal Aid Bill in 2021. The bill seeks to establish a coordinated national framework for the delivery of legal aid services.
While the 2021 draft was under review, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection developed a parallel bill, focusing specifically on gender-related legal aid services. Although both drafts share the overarching goal of enhancing access to justice, the MOJ version takes a broader, holistic approach, while the Gender Ministry's draft emphasizes gender dimensions.
Liberia is now consolidating the two drafts to produce its first-ever comprehensive Legal Aid Bill. The proposed law aims to establish a national legal aid framework, create a Legal Aid Fund, and set up an independent Legal Aid Board to coordinate services and ensure structured support from lawyers and civil society organizations (CSOs). It also seeks to reduce pre-trial detention and ease court congestion.
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To advance this process, the Center for Legal Aid Support Services (CLASS), with support from ActionAid Liberia, UNDP, and the European Union, convened a three-day national consultative workshop. Participants included representatives from the Law Reform Commission (LRC), CSOs, INGOs, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The workshop focused on harmonizing the two drafts into a single consolidated bill for submission to the Legislature.
Key provisions of the consolidated bill include:
· Establishment of a Legal Aid Framework: Clearly defines duties, roles, and parameters for legal aid and pro bono work.
· Creation of a Legal Aid Board: An independent body to manage and coordinate legal aid services.
· Right to Legal Aid: Guarantees representation for individuals unable to afford a lawyer.
· Justice System Reform: Addresses prolonged pre-trial detention, high prison populations, and court congestion.
· Support for Vulnerable Groups: Integrates gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches.
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Status and Support
According to the statement, the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has been a strong advocate for the passage of the bill. Speaking at the conclusion of the workshop, Cllr. Felicia Coleman, Vice Chairperson of the LRC, expressed gratitude to stakeholders and partners for their contributions.
"This engagement was necessary, and we appreciate everyone who sacrificed their time. Your comments will help finalize the consolidated bill for presentation to the Legislature," she said.
The workshop reached consensus on key provisions, ensuring clarity and inclusivity in the final draft. UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting governance reforms and strengthening national justice systems.
